Motto: Grab life by 'hoo-ha's'

Regina Beeson's cousin Todd Parker is living in Germany, fulfilling his culinary dreams.

I once read Dr. Seuss' poem, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" and wondered where my life travels would take me. I had big dreams, and I was going to see the world.

However, my life has since been run by three kids. It's not quite the fairytale I dreamed of, but it has been full of excitement and surprises.

My cousin, Todd Parker, however, has definitely lived up to Dr. Seuss' philosophy of life. He is a 2003 graduate of Petal High School. He was awarded the Presidential Scholarship from the University of Southern Mississippi and was dedicated to his education.

While in school he worked part time at Purple Parrot where he developed the skill and love for cooking. Against his parents' advice and the advice of many others, he decided to forfeit his scholarship and head for New York City in pursuit of becoming a chef. That decision took a great deal of courage.

My cousin enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in 2006 in New York City, and the art of cooking became his passion. He completed an eighteen week internship in New Orleans and graduated from the Culinary Institute in 2008.

After graduation he returned to New Orleans and worked for approximately two years when he was asked to move to Germany to expand his education under some of the most world-renowned chefs. So, do you think he jumped on the opportunity? You bet your grits he did.

He is currently living in Germany and has been for the past two and a half years.

Every day is a new learning experience, and he has the opportunity to see the world on his time off. I admire my cousin for taking life by the "hoo-ha's" and living it to the fullest. He is the epitome of the following quote I read recently: "Make a decision to keep pressing forward, keep believing and keep stretching until you see your dream fulfilled."

He has taken advantage of a wonderful opportunity and will reap many rewards from his desire to be the best chef he can possibly be.

In the meantime, he will experience some amazing wonders of life and will have many stories to tell when he is a retired world-renowned chef. I am honored to have such a brilliant and brave cousin. I am so proud of the man that he has become, and I look forward to knowing the man he is destined to be.

For the reading audience, may I remind you, it is never too late to grab life by the "hoo-ha's."

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Motto: Grab life by 'hoo-ha's'

I once read Dr. Seuss' poem, 'Oh, the Places You'll Go!' and wondered where my life travels would take me. I had big dreams, and I was going to see the world. However, my life has since been run by